Twentieth International Conference on Environmental, Cultural, Economic & Social Sustainability

Abstract

The recognition of UNESCO’s World Heritage Site (WHS) can increase tourism and global exposure; however, preserving heritage does not always align with excess tourism and infrastructural development of a site. This paper explores tourism and development over and beyond WHS status, considering Majuli, the largest inhabited river island in the upper reaches of the Brahmaputra River, which has been on the tentative WHS list since 2004. The island’s unique geography, rich ecosystem, ethnic diversity, and religious ethos have attracted attention. The natives have adapted to the changing ecosystem and geography due to annual floods and erosion. The study hopes to contribute by considering the natives’ aspirations for a better life and balancing heritage preservation with the area’s development. The delicate balance of heritage conservation, preservation, and planning must not be uninterrupted. The fragile ecosystem in river island Majuli needs proper tourism planning and goal-driven development for the well-being of the people and the island, paving the way for a better, economically viable situation. Achieving sustainable tourism and proper maintenance requires understanding tourists and managing their impact on the island’s environment while considering their satisfaction.